M12 CONNECTOR CODING FOR

AUTOMATION AND INDUSTRY

4.0 COMPLIANCE

Connectors are critical in the ongoing operation of any kind of electronic or electrical apparatus. They are
found on every application imaginable and used to interconnect every type of sensor, control, and factory
management system out there. Overall, the M12 family of circular connectors have an important place in
this market.

New automation products are entering the market every day and each device requires that the connector is the right
type and corresponds with the application. Connectors that are coded differently will offer different specifications and
electrical features that correspond to their intended uses. To distinguish between the various styles, each connector
has a different keyway to prevent a cable from being used in an incorrect application (see Drawing 1).

Because M12 connectors are found at multiple levels in automation, several styles of coding exist to prevent incorrect
mating on products. Some considerations to keep in mind include the use of shielded connectors as well as IP
rated connectors for washdown and/or corrosive environments. IP rating includes everything from IP65, which are
dust-tight and water resistant to IP 68, which is not only dust-tight but protected against complete and continuous
submersion in water.

Sponsored by

M12 Connector Coding for Automation and Industry 4.0 Compliance | 1

The five most common types of M12 connector codings include:

• A-coded connectors

As the most common style of connector, they are incorporated for use with sensors, actuators, motors, and many
other standard devices used in a wide variety of applications at the device level for DC power and signal transfer.
The connectors can vary in pin numbers from two pins to 12 pins. You’ll see these connectors used regularly in
robotics and other factory floor equipment where extreme temperatures and/or harsh operating environments
are typical.

• B-coded connectors

Most often used as network interconnects, such as Fieldbus, B-coded connectors typically have three to five pins.
These connectors are a vital component needed in IIoT and Industry 4.0 applications.

• C-coded connectors

Less common than A- or B-coded connectors, they are primarily used with AC powered devices including sensors
and actuators. The connectors also have a dual keyway for increased security. They typically have three or six pins.

• D-coded connectors

Used as network cables for Ethernet and ProfiNet protocols—which includes industrial protocols like Ethernet/IP
and EtherCat), D-coded connectors are able to transfer real time data up to 100 Mb. They typically have three to
five pins.

• X-coded connectors

These connectors are growing in popularity because of their ability to transfer large amounts of data at high speeds
through an Ethernet connection. X-coded connectors transfer up to 10 Gb of data and are ideal for high-speed
data transfer in industrial applications. While other connectors typically vary in how many pins they have, X-coded
connectors will always have eight pins. These connectors are often used in vision and industrial robotic applications
where precise data transfer is a must.

Connectors and cables have been around for a long time and have
evolved as the needs have changed. Of the above five codes, the
X-coded connector is a clear indication of where the industry is
headed—into the high-speed data transfer realm—and will slowly
begin to replace some of the other connector codes as time goes
forward. Knowing which connector to specify can be the difference
between early failure and long life.

High-speed Ethernet M12 connection cable.

Sponsored by

M12 Connector Coding for Automation and Industry 4.0 Compliance | 2